International Friendly: Japan Face a Sterner Test Versus World-Class Brazil

Japan vs Brazil

Following their fixture against Paraguay few days ago, Japan are in for a much harder International Friendly when they’ll host Brazil this Monday at the Japan National Stadium.

This upcoming fixture against the top-ranked FIFA nation in the world is going to be the hosts’ second out of their four planned exhibition games. When they finish all of their four friendlies, they will take part in a two-round Kirin Cup tournament alongside Ghana, Chile, and Tunisia next week.

The pre-match SBOTOP betting odds have Japan as the underdogs because Brazil are the much better team, although the hosts can pose a threat if their visitors take them for granted.

Football fans can expect this to be another fun fixture, so continue to read on below as we discuss certain talking points here in today’s game preview.

Talking Points

Japan are already warmed up

Regardless of what happens against Brazil, Hajime Moriyasu and his men should still give themselves a pat on the back following their dominant outing against Paraguay on Thursday even without their two best attackers in Takefusa Kubo and Takumi Minamino in the starting XI.

Birthday boy Takefusa Kubo came off the bench while Takumi Minamino was rested for this fixture, and both are expected to contend for starting spots for Brazil.

Genki Haraguchi had two assists and Kaoru Mitoma scored his third international goal in as many games for the Samurai Blue, while Takuma Asano, Daichi Kamada, and Ao Tanaka also found the back of the net as they thrashed La Albirroja with a 4-1 tally.

The visitors were simply outclassed as the hosts had more total shots and shots on target. Japan had 28 and 10 while Paraguay had only 10 and 4. The Samurai Blue also controlled the game with 61-per cent possession compared to 39-per cent by La Albirroja.

Ritsu Doan, Daichi Kamada, and Wataru Endo had early chances for the hosts before Takuma Asano drew first blood during the 36^th minute. After Asano scored, Kamada headed home Doan’s curling ball for their second goal of the night.

Paraguay replied when Japan keeper Daniel Schmidt was beaten by Derlis Gonzalez in the 59^th minute. However, the Japanese eventually put the game away with scores from Kaoru Mitoma and Ao Tanaka.

Other than their superb attacking display against La Albirroja, the Samurai Blue have fared well on the defencive end lately since they’ve only conceded four goals in their last 10, and they need to replicate their solidity in order to have any chance against the Samba Boys.

Brazil are a walking mismatch

The Samba Boys had a dream start to this international window when they humbled the Taeguk Warriors with a score of 5-1 on Thursday.

Neymar had a pair of penalties while Richarlison, Philippe Coutinho, and Gabriel Jesus also got into the International Friendly 2022 highlights reel, and they were simply in control for much of the match.

The scary thing about the Samba Boys is their depth since they have it all over the pitch. Vinicius Junior, Gabriel Jesus, Rodrygo, Fabinho, Alisson Becker and Eder Militao were all left out of the starting XI against South Korea, and they should all play one way or another either on Monday or in these next few days.

History

Brazil have had Japan’s number in international competitions since the latter has yet to beat them at all. Prior to Monday, the Samba Boys have won 10 times along with two draws.

These two sides met most recently in a November 2017 friendly where Japan finally broke their 11-year goal drought against Brazil before eventually succumbing to a 3-1 loss with a younger Neymar leading the way.

In terms of recent form, Brazil are enjoying a 12-match unbeaten run, with their last defeat dating back to the 2021 Copa America final versus Argentina.

Japan, on the other hand, are also undefeated in their last eight international games, with their previous loss dating back to October last year against Saudi Arabia during the World Cup 2022 Asian qualifiers.

Betting Tip

The International Friendly 2022 odds are backing the No.1 nation in the world to get another victory on Monday, as Brazil are installed at 1.35, while Japan are pegged at 8.25 and a draw is at 4.50 in the 1X2 market.

Japan may be confident heading into this match, but Brazil just have too much quality for them to overcome. The good thing for the hosts, though, is that this is a no-bearing match.

 

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